BRUNSWICK — Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) unveiled the first of two advanced manufacturing training centers on Thursday, Nov. 22, the latest addition to a statewide training network aimed at meeting the demand for more highly skilled workers in Maine’s manufacturing and defense industries. 

The Maine Advanced Technology & Engineering Center (MATEC) on SMCC’s Midcoast Campus in Brunswick has the latest equipment for hands-on training in robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical simulation, according to SMCC, in a news release. MATEC is one of three new manufacturing labs in the state aimed at training students and incumbent workers; the other labs are located at the University of Maine and the SMCC South Portland campus. 

“This new lab directly supports the workforce needs we hear from Maine employers every day,” said SMCC Dean of Workforce Development & Midcoast Campus Jim Whitten, in the release. “By expanding hands-on, Industry 4.0 training right here at Midcoast, we’re giving students and incumbent workers the skills that manufacturers are asking for — robotics, automation, digital systems, and advanced production technologies.” 

The three labs anchor Maine’s statewide Manufacturing Training Innovation Centers (MTIC) initiative. The MTIC network is designed to expand workforce training capacity, accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, and build the next generation of highly skilled workers essential to Maine’s economic competitiveness. It is funded by $7 million in the FY23 federal budget through the U.S. Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment/Industrial Capabilities and Modernization Program. The University of Maine System (UMS) requested and secured this federal funding and serves as the primary awardee; Southern Maine Community College participates as a sub-awardee partner in creating the statewide advanced manufacturing network.  

The second SMCC MTIC lab at the South Portland campus will come online soon, expanding advanced manufacturing tools, additive systems, and applied learning opportunities for both students and industry partners. The UMaine MTIC lab opened in August. 

“SMCC is proud to play a leading role in preparing Maine’s workforce for the future of manufacturing,” said SMCC President Kristen Miller. “This new lab reflects the power of statewide collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation, giving our students and employers access to advanced technologies, hands-on training, and the skills needed to compete and grow in a rapidly changing economy.” 

“We are proud to be part of this statewide collaboration that ensures Maine has the highly skilled workers needed in these key manufacturing sectors,” said Maine Community College System (MCCS) Chief Workforce Development Officer Dan Belyea. “We are grateful to Rep. Golden and the congressional delegation for securing the funds needed for these cutting-edge facilities that not only ensure our students and incumbent workers are training on the latest technology but also create dynamic environments for ongoing collaboration with industry partners and employers.” 

The Midcoast facility includes multi-use spaces for welding, metal work, basic electrical, fabrication, and other technical training, as well as a high-tech Industry 4.0 environment designed for robotics, automation, digital simulation, and next-generation production systems. 

The MTIC initiative supports assessments, technology adoption planning, workforce upskilling, and applied research benefiting companies across the state. Through a collaborative approach, the initiative brings together SMCC, UMaine, state partners, industry leaders, and federal support to strengthen Maine’s economic resilience. 

"This has been an incredible partnership — the partnership between SMCC and the University of Maine has just been groundbreaking," University of Maine Advanced Manufacturing Center Director John Belding said. "Industry made it clear they need future-ready workers trained in robotics, automation, vision systems, additive manufacturing and smart, secure production technologies. Together, we've built a training pipeline that truly responds to those needs and strengthens Maine's manufacturing workforce." 

To learn more about the Maine Advanced Technology & Engineering Center and the College's expanding workforce and career training initiatives, visit www.smccME.edu.